Raleigh vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 5% more expensive than Raleigh overall. Orlando (FL) has no state income tax; NC tops out around 4.5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is somewhat higher in Orlando compared to Raleigh. While some categories are similar, the difference is primarily driven by higher transportation and utility costs in Orlando. Raleigh generally aligns with the national average for overall expenses, whereas Orlando tends to be a bit above it, making Raleigh the more budget-friendly option when considering all expenditures.
Housing
When it comes to buying a home, Raleigh's median prices are somewhat higher than Orlando's, but renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably more affordable in Raleigh. In Florida, homeowners should factor in potentially higher insurance premiums, including flood insurance, and be aware of common HOA or CDD fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, which can impact ownership costs.
Taxes and everyday costs
A significant difference in daily expenses is the absence of state income tax in Florida, which can mean more take-home pay for Orlando residents. However, Raleigh offers more affordable costs for groceries, healthcare, and transportation. Utilities, on the other hand, are more expensive in Orlando. Miscellaneous goods and services are roughly similar, with Orlando being slightly less expensive.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Raleigh experiences four distinct seasons, while Orlando offers a subtropical climate with year-round warmth and humidity, along with a hurricane season during summer and fall. Commute times are quite similar in both metros. Orlando's character is heavily influenced by its major attractions, leading to a generally faster pace and more tourist activity compared to Raleigh's more traditional city atmosphere.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros means weighing different financial trade-offs. While Orlando benefits from no state income tax, its higher costs for transportation and utilities, coupled with potentially higher housing-related insurance, can offset those savings. Raleigh offers a generally lower overall cost of living, particularly for everyday necessities and renting, making it a more economical choice for many households.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 105 |
| Housing index | 106 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 104 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 90 | 92 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Orlando home with the True Cost Calculator.